From CK Nayak
NEW DELHI, Feb 28: India’s first carbon garden offering much needed respite from severe air pollution was opened in the campus of Delhi University to tackle toxic air and weak soil which can be replicated in other parts of the country, by Prof Dinabandhu Sahoo the pioneer of famed Cherry Blossom festival in Meghalaya years ago and recipients of many environment awards.
The unique garden project combines plants and microorganisms and is designed as an urban ecosystem model to fight rising air and soil pollution in the capital, one of the worst affected in the world. Professor Sahoo, Head of the Botany Department and Chairperson of the Research, Innovation and Entrepreneurship Council, created the garden in the university campus after nearly four years of hard work.
The project comes at a time when Delhi continues to struggle with toxic air and declining soil quality. The garden attempts to offer a scientific and ecological response rather than a purely decorative one.
Professor Sahoo explained that if similar small carbon gardens are created in schools, colleges, universities, residential areas and office complexes, they could significantly improve air and soil quality. He also noted the gardens could positively influence mental health by providing greener surroundings in dense urban environments.Unlike traditional gardens that mainly focus on seasonal flowers, this garden features trees and plants that remain active throughout the year and continue purifying the air. Flowers usually fade after their season ends and contribute little to long-term air cleaning. In contrast, the carbon garden is designed for continuous environmental benefit.It contains multiple life forms including algae, fungi, bacteria, bryophytes, pteridophytes, gymnosperms and angiosperms. The design aims to function both as a mini biodiversity park and an urban ecosystem model within a crowded city landscape.The garden occupies only about 2,000 square feet yet includes 45 species of plants such as herbs, shrubs and trees. Because of limited space, the layout was planned to remain compact but effective. Professor Sahu said some trees planted here could even act as fencing if grown along the Delhi border. One such species is the Kandamba tree, which was airlifted from Bhubaneswar.According to the World Health Organisation, more than 7 million people die worldwide each year due to air pollution out of which in India alone the number is around 1.7 million. In the national capital a report noted air pollution caused about 15 percent of total deaths in Delhi in 2023, Prof Sahoo said.The carbon garden attempts to respond to these alarming figures by improving both air and soil quality. Plants absorb carbon dioxide and store it as carbon stock for long periods. At the same time, microorganisms living on tree bark help reduce toxic gases such as methane, hydrogen, carbon monoxide and other volatile compounds.The garden includes mostly native plants, including hydrophytes, xerophytes and mesophytes. It also contains an organism believed to have originated around 1.3 billion years ago. In larger carbon gardens, algae ponds can also be created to further enhance pollution control.The initiative is not only an environmental experiment but also a social one. By reducing pollution exposure, it could contribute to lowering long-term medical expenses.
The project offers a practical example of how scientific planting and biodiversity planning may improve everyday urban life.Professor Sahoo had received the Distinguished Leadership Honour for his work which has been recognized for its outstanding impact, integrity, innovation and sustained contributions towards advancing inclusive and meaningful social change in India. The Distinguished Leadership Honour was given at the Times of India National CSR Summit 2026 organized by Times Foundation at Bharat Mandapam last Saturday.
